Elegance, Energy & Personality from the Cape

The latest VINUM tasting impressively shows that South Africa’s winemakers are now producing some of the world’s most fascinating Syrah wines. Inspired by the Rhône yet unique in style and expression, they captivate with freshness, depth, and a strong sense of place.

South Africa Reinvents Syrah/Shiraz

Once known for its powerful, full-bodied reds, South Africa now reveals a new, modern side. The best Syrahs combine fruit, spice, and structure – elegant, vibrant, and impressively balanced.

Winemakers at the Cape are increasingly focusing on finesse rather than power. The cool Atlantic influence, diverse soils, and careful maturation result in wines that captivate with their complexity and freshness, gaining worldwide recognition.

“We didn’t taste Rhône copies, but truly independent, great wines.”
— Thomas Vaterlaus, VINUM Editor-in-Chief

Four South African wines ranked among the top five – a result that speaks for itself:

  • 1st Place: Uva Mira Syrah 2017, Stellenbosch – 97 points
    Strawberry milk chocolate, delicate and earthy, fine hints of firewood. Juicy and silky on the palate, marked by graceful strength, subtle fruit, and lively acidity. The tannins are both polished and firm. Finishes fresh – you’ll immediately reach for a second or third glass. Brilliant.

  • 2nd Place: Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020, Swartland – 96 points
    Hints of malt and ripe fruit, a subtle yet complex nose. On the palate, everything perfectly woven together, leading into a gentle, smooth finish despite its concentration. As graceful as the nose suggests. Strong yet finely polished tannins. Long finish with black pepper. A superb Syrah interpretation.

  • 3rd Place: Raka Biography Shiraz 2020, Klein River – 95 points
    Balsamic notes, blackcurrant, and blackberry with an appealing, seductive nose. On the palate, immediate presence, plenty of well-integrated tannins – powerful yet refined. Straightforward with great concentration on the finish and impressive length. Shows tension and poise with a hint of iodine and cool elegance throughout.

  • 4th Place: Rust en Vrede Syrah 2021, Stellenbosch – 95 points
    Very restrained on the nose, showing orange blossom and forest berries. On the palate, plenty of freshness and dense fruit texture. The tannins are solid, the acidity perfectly balanced. Full of class, long and powerful – an understated gentleman that seduces with elegant grace.
Discover more rated Syrahs

Climate, Terroir & Style – Why Syrah from the Cape Inspires

Between the cool Atlantic breezes and the sunny slopes of Stellenbosch and Swartland, Syrahs with a truly distinctive signature are born. Granite and shale soils, careful hand-harves

Discover the Perfect Pairing: South African Syrah/Shiraz & Game Dishes

With its aromas of dark berries, fine pepper spice, and a hint of smoke, South African Syrah/Shiraz is the ideal companion for hearty dishes – especially game. These elegant, powerful reds from the Cape offer the depth and spice that make game dishes so exciting.

Here you’ll find a delicious recipe that pairs perfectly with a glass of Syrah/Shiraz – ideal for a cosy, flavourful autumn evening.

Venison Steak with Syrah Jus & Rosemary Potatoes

Ingredients (serves 4):

  • 4 venison medallions (approx. 180 g each)
  • Salt & freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 100 ml port wine
  • 100 ml game stock
  • 1 tbsp cranberry jam
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 tsp cold butter (for finishing the sauce)
  • Side: Potato gratin or celery purée

Preparation

Season the venison medallions all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a hot pan and sear the meat on both sides for about 2 minutes each. Remove, wrap in foil, and keep warm. In the same pan, sauté the shallot until translucent. Deglaze with port wine and loosen the roasting residue. Add game stock, cranberry jam, mustard, rosemary, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat until reduced by half and slightly syrupy.
Remove the herbs, season with salt and pepper, and whisk in the cold butter to give the sauce a nice shine. Place the medallions on plates, spoon over the sauce, and serve with potato gratin or celery purée.

Wine Recommendation

Enjoy this hearty dish with a Syrah/Shiraz from Stellenbosch or Swartland. Its dark fruit aromas, spicy notes, and fine structure harmonize beautifully with the game and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce.

Conclusion

With this VINUM tasting, South Africa once again proves that its Syrahs/Shiraz rank among the best of the New World, impressing with personality, depth, and energy.

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